Calling all commanders! Are you ready for epic battles and strategic wins on your tabletop battlefield? It's time to grab your dice and gather your forces as we dive into the 10 best war board games that will unleash your wargaming spirit!

Whether you're into historical accuracy, fantastical creatures, or futuristic endeavors, we've got the perfect game for you. Get ready to conquer opponents and rule the battlefield with these awesome war board games!

Best War Board Games Comparison Table

1. Star Wars: Rebellion - Best Star Wars Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

With over 102 million in the United States alone, Star Wars is one of the most famous media franchises, and its fans not only love the movies but also enjoy playing Star Wars-themed board games. Therefore, let’s start our list with one of the best Star Wars board games, Star Wars: Rebellion. 

It's a fantastic board game that brings the epic conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance to life. In this strategy war game for 2 to 4 players, one side commands the vast resources and military of the Empire, while the other leads the aggressive but determined Rebel forces.

Why We Like It

Star Wars: Rebellion stands out as the best Star Wars board game ever for several compelling reasons. Players can take command of iconic starships, deploy troops, and complete missions that recreate the most thrilling moments from the Star Wars saga. The asymmetrical gameplay, where the Empire and the Rebels have different goals and strategies, ensures that each session feels unique and exciting. The game also boasts exceptional components, including 170 detailed miniatures, 10 custom dice, 170 cards, 25 leaders with stands, and stunning artwork, all of which contribute to a deeply immersive experience that truly captures the spirit of the Star Wars universe.

2. Red Russia - Best Strategy War Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

If you are looking for one of the best Civil War board games, we recommend Red Russia: The Russian Civil War 1918 -1921. This game takes you on a thrilling adventure through the chaotic Russian Civil War (1918-1921). Choose your side from five distinct factions: the communist Red Army or the anti-communist forces, including Interventionists, Siberian Whites, Southern Whites, and Northern Whites.

Lead your troops across a detailed map of Russia and battle for control over the key cities and secure vital resources. Each turn represents three months of historical struggle. 

Why We Like It

We love Red Russia because it immerses players in the complexities of the Russian Civil War, offering a chance to learn about the major factions, key strategies, and pivotal battles of the era. As a strategic war game, it challenges players to make tough decisions about troop movements, resource allocation, and even requires a bit of diplomatic finesse. With multiple victory conditions and varied starting positions, no two games of Red Russia are ever the same, ensuring a fresh and unique experience every time you play.

3. Helios Expanse - Best Space War Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

How about leaving the wars on Earth behind and embarking on a galactic journey to space with Helios Expanse? In this game, the players get to explore new star systems, interact with alien civilizations, and discover valuable resources. Be prepared for adventure and excitement as you make your way in this unexplored frontier. 

Make friends, complete thrilling missions, or become a trade tycoon; with Helios Expanse, the possibilities are endless!

Why We Like It

We think Helios Expanse is one of the best war board games because it offers incredible strategic variety and replayability. Unlike many games where a single strategy dominates, Helios Expanse encourages players to explore different paths to victory, whether by becoming a ruthless space pirate, a savvy trader, or a cutting-edge technological pioneer. The game challenges players to manage resources, negotiate trade deals, and develop their tech to outmaneuver the competition. With a modular board and unique player powers, every game feels fresh and different, making it a dynamic and engaging experience each time you play.

4. Cosmic Encounter - Best Sci-Fi War Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

Prepare for an exciting journey across the galaxy with another board game for space lovers: Cosmic Encounter! Choose from 50 wild alien races, each with their own special abilities and playstyles. Negotiate with telepathic birds or team up with mind-controlling slugs and make your way to victory in this strategic board game.

Why We Like It

Cosmic Encounter is a must-have war board game because it delivers a hilarious, chaotic, and highly interactive experience unlike any other. At the heart of the game are alien races, each with a unique and extraordinary power that completely changes how the game is played—one race might aim to conquer planets, while another could win through alliances or collecting rare space artifacts. But this game isn’t just about moving spaceships or rolling dice; it demands negotiation, bluffing, and clever social maneuvering. The wild mix of alien abilities, unpredictable encounters, and constant player interaction makes every game a memorable and laugh-out-loud adventure.

5. The Duke: Lord's Legacy - Best Fantasy War Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

If you are looking for the best 2-player war board games, The Duke: Lord’s Legacy is a good option. This game is for all you clever strategists, where you get to step into the shoes of a powerful Duke in a fascinating historical era. Your lord has passed away, leaving behind a legacy full of secrets. 

Your objective is to explore your vast territory, uncover hidden treasures, manage resources, and grow your influence. You must also compete with other dukes by strategically placing workers, gathering resources, and carrying out clever construction projects to gain the upper hand.

Why We Like It

We love The Duke: Lord’s Legacy because it strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and strategic depth. While the rules are easy to learn, the gameplay remains challenging and engaging for experienced players. The core of the game revolves around building a well-oiled economic engine by strategically placing workers, gathering resources, and constructing buildings to maximize efficiency. With a sectioned board and variable player powers, each session feels fresh and unique, ensuring that The Duke: Lord’s Legacy keeps you coming back for more.

6. Warband: Against the Darkness - Best Cooperative War Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Are you in for a little bit of adventure? Then say hello to Warband: Against the Darkness! This board game takes you and your friends on an epic survival battle. In this fantasy world, a great evil threatens the land. You will play as brave heroes, leading a group of warriors against endless enemies. 

The best part is, you won’t be competing against each other. In Warband, teamwork is key! You’ll need to work together, share resources, and team up to beat the rising threats.

Why We Like It

We love Warband: Against the Darkness because it offers a refreshing cooperative experience where players unite against a common enemy rather than competing against each other. It emphasizes teamwork, shared victories, and strategic collaboration, making it perfect for groups who enjoy working together. The game features easy-to-follow rules and quick play sessions, ideal for action-packed game nights. As you advance through the campaign, you gain experience and unlock powerful abilities, which keeps the gameplay dynamic, rewarding, and constantly evolving.

7. Days of Ire: Budapest 1956 - Best History War Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Do you want to go back in time and re-live the era of the Hungarian Revolution? If yes, then Days of Ire: Budapest 1956 is just the game for you! It's a historical board game that puts you at the center of the Hungarian Revolution. Your role in the game is of the courageous revolutionaries fighting for freedom against the oppressive Soviet regime.

Your objective is to manage protests, build barricades, and engage in tense street battles in a desperate struggle for democracy.

Why We Like It

We recommend Days of Ire: Budapest 1956 as one of the best war board games because it brilliantly combines historical education with intense, cooperative gameplay. Centered on the lesser-known but powerful Hungarian Revolution, the game offers a thrilling and immersive experience that sheds light on a pivotal moment in history. Players must work together, strategizing and coordinating their actions to stand against overwhelming odds, just as the real-life revolutionaries did. The game masterfully captures the desperation and suspense of the uprising, making every decision and dice roll feel meaningful and impactful.

8. Nights of Fire: Battle for Budapest - Best Solo War Board Game

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

Continuing with the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Nights of Fire: Battle for Budapest is another strategic war board game that takes you back to the intense battles of the besieged city. 

Your job is to lead the Hungarian defense as the Red Army closes in on the capital, facing thrilling challenges and tough decisions throughout the way. This game combines modern Euro game strategy with the tension of classic war games, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. Whether you are playing solo or with a friend, get ready for an exciting game that captures the spirit of resistance and determination against all odds!

Why We Like It

Nights of Fire: Battle for Budapest would make a great addition to your board game collection because it delivers a rich, strategic experience in a compact playtime. Focused on the intense struggle between the Hungarian resistance and the Red Army, the game challenges players to manage limited resources and deploy smart tactics in a desperate fight for control of every street and building. Whether you're playing solo or with a friend, Nights of Fire offers flexible gameplay, and its unique card and action mechanics ensure that each session feels fresh, tense, and highly replayable.

9. 13 Days: The Cuban Missile Crisis - Best War Board Game

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars 

Let's talk about a board games based on American history, 13 Days: The Cuban Missile Crisis. This strategic war game lets you play as history's most powerful leaders, like John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev. 

It's a two-player board game that gives you an insight into the tension among the leaders during the intense 13 days of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The game's objective is to manage your nation's alert level, handle diplomacy, and make important decisions that can either reduce tensions or lead to a nuclear war!

Why We Like It

We think 13 Days: The Cuban Missile Crisis is one of the best board games for capturing historical tension because it immerses players in the intense pressure of one of the most critical moments in history. Every decision, from card draws to resource allocation, feels like it could push the world closer to disaster, creating a thrilling sense of urgency. Despite its short playtime, the game delivers a deep and engaging experience, with different card decks and events ensuring that each session presents a unique and challenging scenario.

10. Axis & Allies - Best World War II Board Game

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

Let’s wrap up this article with one of the classics, Axis & Allies! Take charge of the major powers of World War II with this classic war board game. Pick your side: the Allied forces (USA, UK, Soviet Union) or the Axis powers (Germany, Japan). Strategically deploy your troops on a detailed world map, launch strikes, defend territories, and strive for victory.

Why We Like It

We love Axis & Allies because it brilliantly captures the grand scale of World War II while remaining accessible to new players. The rules are easy to learn, making it an excellent introduction to the world of wargaming. Each playthrough offers a unique and exciting experience, thanks to the variety of strategies and outcomes possible, keeping the game fresh and engaging every time you bring it to the table.

Best War Board Games Buying Guide 

Trying to find the perfect war board game can be a bit overwhelming with so many options out there. But don't worry, we are here to help! 

Check out this quick guide to find the best war board game for you:

• Experience Level: Are you a seasoned gamer or a curious newcomer? Beginner-friendly games like The Duke: Lord's Legacy offer simple rules and shorter playtimes. Seasoned warheads can indulge into more complex games like Helios Expanse or 13 Days: The Cuban Missile Crisis.
  
• Player Count: How many players will join the fight? Some games are best for 2 players, while others are for larger groups. Consider your gaming group size before getting your board game. 
  
• Theme: Are you a history buff, a fantasy fanatic, or a sci-fi strategist? Choose a game that suits everyone’s preferences. Classics like Axis & Allies offer historical warfare, while Cosmic Encounter brings the clash of space creatures.
• Reviews: Before getting a war board game, we suggest looking for reviews that mention things like complexity, theme, and playtime.
  

Final Thoughts on the Best War Board Games

If you are looking for a thrilling game night, we suggest adding war board games to your tabletop. In this guide, we've put together 10 of the best war board games for players of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned wargamer, we have something for everyone! And if you’re looking for more options, you’ll find plenty of board games in our impressive collection!

Victory awaits!